Behind the Easel: What to Expect From My Art Classes

There’s something incredibly special about creating art in a relaxed, welcoming space, especially when that creativity is inspired by the landscapes around us. Living and working in Hampshire, I’m constantly influenced by the rolling countryside, winding woodland paths, and ever-changing coastal scenery that make this part of the UK so inspiring to paint.

As a mixed media landscape artist, much of my own work is inspired by the natural beauty surrounding me, from soft coastal skies and textured cliff paths, to wild meadows and quiet country lanes. These scenes often become the starting point for demonstrations, exercises, and class projects in my art classes. I love helping students see the beauty in their everyday surroundings and translate those feelings into expressive, personal artwork.

In my art classes we work not only on practical artistic skills, but also confidence, encouragement, and the freedom to explore your own creative voice. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the very first time or returning to art after years away, you’ll find a supportive environment where creativity can flourish.

A Warm, Friendly and Inclusive Approach

One of the things students often say about my classes is how comfortable and encouraged they feel from the moment they arrive. My teaching style is friendly, approachable and encouraging. I work hard to make sure classes suit all abilities and are welcoming, relaxed, and pressure-free. There’s no expectation to be 'good at art' before joining. I firmly believe that art is a journey, and everyone develops at their own pace.

Exploring Different Mediums

I teach a variety of mediums so you can experiment and discover what excites you most creatively. Classes may include:

Watercolour

Perfect for capturing soft skies, flowing landscapes, and atmospheric coastal scenes.

Acrylic Painting

A versatile medium ideal for layering texture, colour, and expressive marks in mixed media work.

Drawing

Building confidence in sketching, composition, shading, and observational skills.

Mixed Media Techniques

Combining paint, collage, texture, inks, and mark-making to create richly layered landscape pieces full of personality.

I encourage everyone to try new materials without fear of making mistakes as I've found that often the most exciting discoveries happen through experimentation!

What a Typical Class Looks Like

Each class is thoughtfully structured to balance guidance with creative freedom. A typical session may include:

A relaxed introduction and demonstration

Discussion of techniques, colour palettes, or composition

Guided exercises or project work

One-to-one support throughout the session

Time to reflect, share progress, and ask questions

Some sessions focus more on technique, while others encourage students to work more intuitively and expressively. Most importantly, classes are designed to feel enjoyable and inspiring.

Watching Confidence Grow

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing students surprise themselves with what they can achieve. Many students arrive saying “I’m not artistic” or “I haven’t painted since school” and then, little by little, their confidence begins to grow and they forget all those initial doubts or nerves. Those very same students then go on to develop their own personal style, create paintings for their homes and families, and rediscover creativity after long breaks.

More Than Just an Art Class

For many students, these classes become more than simply learning techniques. They become a space to step out of the busyness of everyday, reconnect with creativity, and enjoy the mindful process of making something by hand. These were some of the reasons that drew me back to art and sharing those experiences with others is at the heart of everything I teach.

So whether you’re completely new to art, or looking to develop your existing skills, I’d love to welcome you into a class and help you discover the joy of creative expression inspired by the beautiful Hampshire landscapes around us.

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Kate Hughes is a Hampshire-based artist known for her evocative fine art landscape paintings and contemporary craft practice. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and coast, her work combines technical skill with a modern experimentalist approach. In addition to her studio practice, Kate runs a thriving art school, offering workshops and classes for artists of all levels. She also welcomes visitors to her open studio and gallery space, creating an engaging environment where art can be experienced, learned, and collected.